Cooper Creek/Spencer Forest

The only bridle paths in the Kent County Park system are located at Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest. This interconnected network includes more than four miles of trails through pine stands, deciduous forests, wetlands and fields.

To access the trails, use the Cooper Creek Park parking lot at the intersection of Morgan Mills Ave and 17 Mile Rd. From there, follow the trail east alongside Cooper Creek, until crossing 17 Mile Rd to enter Spencer Forest. Within Spencer Forest, the trails are marked by color as shown on the park map.

The bridle paths at Cooper Creek Park and Spencer Forest are also open to hikers and cross country skiers. The trails are closed to motorized uses and mountain bikes.

Equestrians should be aware that other activities take place from time to time within Spencer Forest. The forest includes actively managed pine stands and limited logging activities are occasionally conducted between late fall and late winter to maintain the health of these stands. At the southern end of Spencer Forest, near 16 Mile Rd, is a facility operated by the Kent County Sheriff's Department which includes an outdoor firing range that is occasionally used for training. Also bow hunting is allowed in Spencer Forest by permit only during the regular bow hunting season for deer and turkey.